Signs Of Gestational Diabetes – What To Look For

Signs of gestational diabetes may be subtle and can easily be overlooked
or viewed as normal happenings during a pregnancy. However, gestational
diabetes, when left untreated, can lead to very serious complications
for both mom and baby. Learn what to look for and what to do if you
notice the signs.

Noticeable Signs of Gestational Diabetes

Because there are so many changes happening to a woman’s body during
pregnancy it is easy to pass off signs of gestational diabetes as
"normal". It is important to alert your doctor if you are experiencing
any of the following symptoms.

Increased thirst that is difficult to quench

More frequent urination (this is also a symptom associated with pregnancy)

A feeling of always being hungry, even shortly after eating

Blurred vision

Gestational diabetes affects approximately 1 in 25
pregnant women and is most common in the third trimester. Your risk may
be increased if you are overweight or over the age of 30 when you
conceive. You do not have to have a past history of diabetes to have
gestational diabetes during your pregnancy.

Your Next Step

If you notice the signs of gestational diabetes see your doctor who
will run a Glucose Tolerance Test. This is a simple test in which the
doctor will ask you to drink a sugary tasting drink, wait for a specific
amount of time and then take a blood sample.

The purpose of the test is to see how fast your body moves the glucose from the sugary drink out of your blood.

"In those that are struggling with gestational diabetes, the glucose
amount in the blood remains very high. This is a sign that your body
is unable to use its normally produced insulin and the glucose remains
in the blood too long. If this were to remain high for an extended
period of time, your body would enter a state of shock that is dangerous
to both you and your baby."

How is Gestational Diabetes Treated?

If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes your doctor will share
advice on weight management, diet and exercise, which is often enough
to manage the disorder. However some women may need to supplement their
body with additional insulin.

It is important to be under a doctor’s care during your pregnancy and
your doctor will likely screen you for the disease during your second
or third trimester. Share any signs of gestational diabetes that you
notice to aid your doctor in providing proper and early treatment.